The pottery of Mata Ortiz, Mexico

Rundown storefronts and unpaved roads don't convey the full character of Mata Ortiz, in northern Mexico. Many of the locals are potters. A 2012 listing put the number at 500 -- in a village of 2,100.

Rundown storefronts and unpaved roads don't convey the full character of Mata Ortiz, in northern Mexico. Many of the locals are potters. A 2012 listing put the number at 500 -- in a village of 2,100. (Alison DaRosa)

Juan Quezada handles some of the area's coveted white clay. Pottery purchased at a New Mexico secondhand shop in the mid-1970s led to Mata Ortiz's rebirth as a nucleus of art. The pottery was made by Quezada. The purchaser, Princeton-trained anthropologist Spencer MacCallum, sought him out....

Juan Quezada handles some of the area's coveted white clay. Pottery purchased at a New Mexico secondhand shop in the mid-1970s led to Mata Ortiz's rebirth as a nucleus of art. The pottery was made by Quezada. The purchaser, Princeton-trained anthropologist Spencer MacCallum, sought him out.... (Alison DaRosa)

More artists emerged as the pottery of Mata Ortiz became widely known, and the town has experienced a sort of renaissance. Spencer MacCallum, now 81, says: "My intent was to find and support this one amazing artist," Juan Quezada. "All the rest just happened."

More artists emerged as the pottery of Mata Ortiz became widely known, and the town has experienced a sort of renaissance. Spencer MacCallum, now 81, says: "My intent was to find and support this one amazing artist," Juan Quezada. "All the rest just happened." (Alison DaRosa)

Carla Martinez was teaching engineering in nearby Nuevo Casas Grandes when, she says, "art happened." Today she's part of a new generation of potters. Watching her work is daughter Regina Valles Martinez, 4.

Carla Martinez was teaching engineering in nearby Nuevo Casas Grandes when, she says, "art happened." Today she's part of a new generation of potters. Watching her work is daughter Regina Valles Martinez, 4. (Alison DaRosa)